Christine Ohuruogu | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/christineohuruogu
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 19:08:11 GMT2015-03-03T19:08:11Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Christine Ohuruogu attacks Lamine Diack over athletics ‘crisis’ remarkhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/17/christine-ohuruogu-iaaf-lamine-diack-athletics-crisis
• World 400m champion says comments will not help image of the sport<br />• ‘It doesn’t matter how fast we run if our own federation is not backing us’<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/16/iaaf-lamine-diack-athletics-crisis-russia-doping-allegations" title="">IAAF’s Lamine Diack: athletics faces crisis over Russia doping allegations</a><p>Christine Ohuruogu, the world 400m champion, has expressed her exasperation with the IAAF president, Lamine Diack, for claiming athletics is in “crisis” – and likened his comments to “chopping off the arms and legs” of those involved in the sport.</p><p>“It’s very hard when people tell us: ‘You athletes are role models, go and inspire our kids to run’ and then you have people like that making those sort of comments,” she said. “It’s like you’ve just chopped off our arms and legs. What do you want us to do? It doesn’t matter how fast we run if our own federation is not backing us. It doesn’t make any difference.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/17/christine-ohuruogu-iaaf-lamine-diack-athletics-crisis">Continue reading...</a>Christine OhuruoguAthleticsIAAFSportSport politicsTue, 17 Feb 2015 21:59:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/17/christine-ohuruogu-iaaf-lamine-diack-athletics-crisisPhotograph: Alicia Canter for the ObserverBritish athlete Christine Ohuruogu has criticised IAAF head Lamine Diack for saying the sport is in 'crisis' over Russia doping allegations. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The ObserverPhotograph: Alicia Canter for the ObserverBritish athlete Christine Ohuruogu has criticised IAAF head Lamine Diack for saying the sport is in 'crisis' over Russia doping allegations. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The ObserverSean Ingle2015-02-17T21:59:08ZChristine Ohuruogu voices concern over 2019 World Championships in Qatarhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/18/christine-ohuruogu-2019-world-championships-qatar
• World 400m champion says Qatar temperatures an issue<br />• Ohuruogu says her own form will benefit from recent break<p>The 400m world champion, Christine Ohuruogu, has said precautions must be taken to protect athletes during the 2019 World Championships in Qatar due to high temperatures in the Gulf state.</p><p>Doha was on Tuesday <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/18/qatar-host-2019-athletics-world-championships?CMP=twt_gu" title="">awarded the 2019 championships by the IAAF</a> ahead of rival bidders Eugene and Barcelona, marking another significant step in the nation’s sporting portfolio, which has the controversial 2022 World Cup as its centrepiece.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/18/christine-ohuruogu-2019-world-championships-qatar">Continue reading...</a>World Athletics ChampionshipsChristine OhuruoguSportAthleticsQatarTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:47:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/18/christine-ohuruogu-2019-world-championships-qatarPhotograph: Dylan Martinez/REUTERSChristine Ohuruogu fears conditions in Qatar may not be beneficial to athletes, particularly over longer distances. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/ReutersPhotograph: Dylan Martinez/REUTERSChristine Ohuruogu fears conditions in Qatar may not be beneficial to athletes, particularly over longer distances. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/ReutersJames Riach2014-11-18T15:47:23ZQatar record questioned after award of 2019 World Athletics Championshipshttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/18/qatar-host-2019-athletics-world-championships
• Human Rights Watch condemns choice<br />• Barcelona and Eugene lose out to Doha<br />• Event to take place in September and October<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/17/iaaf-human-rights-qatar-athletics-world-championsips-2019" title="">• IAAF told to seek human rights pledges</a><p>Human rights organisations have condemned the decision to award the 2019 World Athletics Championships to Doha and warned that the IAAF has “given its seal of approval to Qatar’s callous indifference” to workers’ rights.</p><p>The Qatari bid, frontrunner since losing to London for the 2017 event, beat Eugene, Oregon by 15 votes to 12 after Barcelona was eliminated in the first round, meaning the Middle East will stage the event for the first time. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, the president of the Qatari Athletics Federation and Doha’s bid leader, said: “We will raise the bar to create a legacy, starting from tomorrow.” But concerns were expressed that Qatar, which is embroiled in controversy over the award of football’s 2022 World Cup, has been rewarded with another global event despite its ill-treatment of migrant workers, hundreds of whom have died while building sporting facilities.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/18/qatar-host-2019-athletics-world-championships">Continue reading...</a>World Athletics ChampionshipsAthleticsChristine OhuruoguQatarMiddle East and North AfricaWorld newsSportIAAFTue, 18 Nov 2014 14:13:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/18/qatar-host-2019-athletics-world-championshipsPhotograph: Dietmar Stiplovsek/EPAGreat Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson is likely to be one of the standout performers in 2019.Photograph: Dietmar Stiplovsek/EPAGreat Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson is likely to be one of the standout performers in 2019.Photograph: Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Qatar capital, Doha, is preparing itself for an influx of world-class athletes in five years' time. Photograph: Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Qatar capital, Doha, is preparing itself for an influx of world-class athletes in five years' time. Photograph: Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty ImagesSean Ingle2014-11-18T14:13:14ZTop athletes criticise plan to demolish Crystal Palace trackhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/16/athletes-criticise-plan-demolish-crystal-palace-track
Christine Ohuruogu and Conrad Williams speak out as GLA consults on proposals to clear space for college and free school<p>Two British gold medallists have criticised proposals by the mayor of London that could lead to the athletics track at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre being demolished to make way for a free school and college.</p><p>The Olympic 400-metre champion Christine Ohuruogu and the Commonwealth Games 400-metre relay team member Conrad Williams say the move threatens the development of future athletes.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/16/athletes-criticise-plan-demolish-crystal-palace-track">Continue reading...</a>AthleticsChristine OhuruoguSportLondonUK newsLondon politicsPoliticsSun, 16 Nov 2014 12:54:30 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/16/athletes-criticise-plan-demolish-crystal-palace-trackPhotograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesChristine Ohuruogu competing in the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace in 2011. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesChristine Ohuruogu competing in the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace in 2011. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesRoxanne Escobales2014-11-16T12:54:30ZMo Farah puts pitfalls behind him in bid to make Great North Run historyhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/06/mo-farah-great-north-run
• Farah can become first British man to win in nearly 30 years<br />• ‘I was gutted last year to be pipped at the end’<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/05/greg-rutherford-athletics-great-north-citygames-mo-farah" title="">• Greg Rutherford: athletics is running out of appeal</a><p>Mo Farah insists he has banished the insecurities that picked at him after collapsing twice this year – and is confident he can become the first British man to win the Great North Run for nearly 30 years.</p><p>Farah, who was two years old when <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/06/the-agenda-mo-farah-great-north-run" title="">Steve Kenyon won the 13.1 mile race from Newcastle to South Shields in 1985</a>, was runner-up to the Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele last year. But against a weaker field in Sunday morning’s race, including the Olympic and world marathon champion, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/aug/12/stephen-kiprotich-olympic-marathon" title="">Stephen Kiprotich,</a> and the Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist, Tariku Bekele, it would be a shock if he did not end his season with victory. Farah, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/mar/16/mo-farah-second-new-york-half-marathon" title="">who collapsed after the New York half-marathon in March</a> and then again after training in July, said: “This season I had my doubts. I am a human being, the same as everyone else. Mentally, I haven’t been in that position before where something hasn’t gone that well and it’s been difficult for me.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/06/mo-farah-great-north-run">Continue reading...</a>Mo FarahAthleticsChristine OhuruoguSportSat, 06 Sep 2014 21:00:28 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/06/mo-farah-great-north-runPhotograph: Owen Humphreys/PABritain's Mo Farah is hoping to go one step better and win Sunday's Great North Run. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PAPhotograph: Owen Humphreys/PABritain's Mo Farah is hoping to go one step better and win Sunday's Great North Run. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PASean Ingle in Gateshead2014-09-06T21:00:28ZChristine Ohuruogu: 'The nerves I have when I run now are the same nerves I experienced as a kid'http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2014/aug/22/friday-flyer-christine-ohuruogu-running-blog
World champion, Olympic gold medallist and British record holder Christine Ohuruogu on school rivalries, rolling with the pain and knowing when your body just wants you to rest<p><strong>Hi Christine! Hope you are well. First of all, what's your favourite place to run?</strong> Well I train at Mile End, and I really enjoy running along the canal. They have a canal in the park, and during the winter we spend a lot of time running up and down the length of the canal, it's just really, really nice, I mean it's just peaceful. It's probably not a part of East London people think to go to, but I just think for us it's a nice length for us to run along. </p><p><strong>Do you remember your first ever race?</strong> It would have been in primary school, um, but that's school sports day, it was nothing serious.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2014/aug/22/friday-flyer-christine-ohuruogu-running-blog">Continue reading...</a>Christine OhuruoguRunningFitnessLife and styleFri, 22 Aug 2014 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2014/aug/22/friday-flyer-christine-ohuruogu-running-blogEkua KingChristine Ohuruogu: 'I find a good playlist just keeps you going and going and going.'Ekua KingChristine Ohuruogu for running blog Photograph: Ekua KingKate Carter2014-08-22T07:00:00ZBreaking the Law: why the rule on false starts in athletics is an ass | Daniel Harrishttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/jul/17/false-starts-athletics-disqualify-law-ass
All are capable of false starts and to disqualify a runner after only one is to miss the point of the event<p>There is a yiddish verb, to platz – roughly, it means to be on tenterhooks, just with all the emotional and physical incontinence that you’d expect from a language that deals principally in uncomfortable extremes. But platzing is not an Olympic sport.</p><p>And it is this that makes the false-start rule in athletics – one that immediately disqualifies anyone found guilty of starting falsely – so ridiculous. Of course, split-second timing under intense stress is a difficult thing to achieve, but only part of the proficiency we’re testing.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/jul/17/false-starts-athletics-disqualify-law-ass">Continue reading...</a>AthleticsUsain BoltChristine OhuruoguSportThu, 17 Jul 2014 10:07:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/jul/17/false-starts-athletics-disqualify-law-assPhotograph: Lehtikuva OY / Rex Features/Lehtikuva OY / Rex FeaturesUsain Bolt after his disqualification from the 100m final in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. Photograph: Lehtikuva Oy/Rex FeaturesPhotograph: Lehtikuva OY / Rex Features/Lehtikuva OY / Rex FeaturesUsain Bolt after his disqualification from the 100m final in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. Photograph: Lehtikuva Oy/Rex FeaturesDaniel Harris2014-07-17T10:07:59ZGreat Britain’s James Dasaolu gets 100m nod at European Championshipshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/15/james-dasaolu-great-britain-european-athletics-championships
• Dasaolu given third spot at expense of Chijindu Ujah<br />• Christine Ohuruogu and Mo Farah and lead medal hopes<p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/04/james-dasaolu-unsure-european-championships-spot-100m-lausanne-athletics" title="">James Dasaolu</a> has been handed the third and final 100m spot on the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for next month’s European Championships in Zurich.</p><p>The 26-year-old will join <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/29/dwain-chambers-athletics-british-championships" title="">Dwain Chambers</a> and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who qualified by finishing first and second at the trials in Birmingham in June.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/15/james-dasaolu-great-britain-european-athletics-championships">Continue reading...</a>James DasaoluMo FarahChristine OhuruoguDai GreeneAthleticsSportEuropean Athletics ChampionshipsTue, 15 Jul 2014 12:29:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/15/james-dasaolu-great-britain-european-athletics-championshipsPhotograph: Steven Paston/Action ImagesJames Dasaolu has a season's best of 10.03sec but he has been selected in the 100m for the European Championships. Photograph: Steven Paston/Action ImagesPhotograph: Steven Paston/Action ImagesJames Dasaolu has a season's best of 10.03sec but he has been selected in the 100m for the European Championships. Photograph: Steven Paston/Action ImagesPress Association2014-07-15T12:29:40ZGreat Britain win bronze and silver at World Relayshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/26/great-britain-win-bronze-silver-world-relays
<ul><li>GB women second in 4x200m final</li><li>Men's 4x100m run fastest time in 15 years<br></li></ul><p>Great Britain’s men won bronze in the 4x100m final and the GB women secured silver in the 4x200m at the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas, on a night when more records tumbled and USA and Jamaica dominated.<br /> <br /> Britain’s men have flunked in the relays at the last five major championships but Richard Kilty, James Ellington, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Dwain Chambers got the baton round safely to secure a third-placed finish in 38.19secs behind Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. However, if they had repeated their heat time of 37.93secs silver would have been theirs.<br /> <br /> “It was a solid performance,” said Ellington. “To be honest we’re a bit disappointed because we know we could have challenged for the gold. We wanted to try and break the British record [37.73] because we ran 37.93 in the heat. But we got the baton round cleanly in the heat and the final and got a bronze.”<br /> <br /> On the team’s performance in Nassau, Kilty added: “It’s the fastest time we’ve run in 15 years – since 1999. It’s the first time we’ve won a medal properly without one of the other teams getting disqualified since 2005 so to come out here and get the baton round blows away all the demons. We ran a really quick time in the heat and it’s only early season so there’s a lot more to come from this team.”<br /> <br /> Britain’s 4x200m women impressed and were only beaten by USA in their final. Desiree Henry, Anyika Onuora, Bianca Williams and Asha Philip clocked a time of 1min 29.61secs, a national record.<br /> <br /> Great Britain’s 4x400m men finished fourth in their final with a time of 3:00.02, well outside the top three, although Nigel Levine had to run the entire third leg without a shoe after one of his spikes came off during the melee of a baton change. Levine said: “Nothing was going to stop me running. I literally ran my socks off.”<br /> <br /> Britain’s 4x400m women finished a disappointing seventh in their final, seven seconds behind the winners, USA. Christine Ohuruogu came into the team after sitting out Saturday’s heat but was not at her best with a split of 53secs.<br /> <br /> Kenya’s men broke the 4x1500m world record with a time of 14:22.22, beating the previous mark by 14 seconds.<br /> <br /> It was another raucous night inside the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, where the World Relays will be held for the second time next year. The IAAF president, Lamine Diack, said: “The people have embraced the IAAF World Relays and the noise of their support will be left ringing in our memories for many years to come.&quot; </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/26/great-britain-win-bronze-silver-world-relays">Continue reading...</a>AthleticsSportDwain ChambersChristine OhuruoguMon, 26 May 2014 05:28:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/26/great-britain-win-bronze-silver-world-relaysPhotograph: Christian Petersen/Getty Images for IAAFGreat Britain's 4x200m team pose after taking silver at the World Relays. Photograph: Christian Petersen/Getty Images for IAAFPhotograph: Christian Petersen/Getty Images for IAAFGreat Britain's 4x200m team pose after taking silver at the World Relays. Photograph: Christian Petersen/Getty Images for IAAFJames Riach in Nassau2014-05-26T05:28:31ZVicky Ohuruogu seeks to emulate Christine as baton passes to sisterhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/24/christine-ohuruogo-victoria-400m
<p>The 400m world champion and her younger sister talk about their sibling bond and their hopes on the track</p><p>Christine and Victoria Ohuruogu are just like any other pair of sisters. The fact that one is the 400m world champion and another a rising star on the track for Britain over the same distance only serves to tighten a bond that over the years has become a necessity in a family of six brothers.</p><p>“We’re together all the time,” Christine says. “She’s always there. I can’t get rid of her, even at home. I train with her and she’s always at my house.” Vicky raises an eyebrow: “Not always. I drop in every now and then.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/24/christine-ohuruogo-victoria-400m">Continue reading...</a>Christine OhuruoguAthleticsSportSat, 24 May 2014 17:40:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/24/christine-ohuruogo-victoria-400mPhotograph: Dave Thompson/PA Archive/Press Association ImaChristine Ohuruogu shows off her 400m gold medal with her sister Vicky at the World Championships last year. Photograph: Dave Thompson/PAPhotograph: Dave Thompson/PA Archive/Press Association ImaChristine Ohuruogu shows off her 400m gold medal with her sister Vicky at the World Championships last year. Photograph: Dave Thompson/PAJames Riach in Nassau2014-05-24T17:40:04ZChristine Ohuruogu eases off for Glasgow as she targets fitting finalehttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/18/christine-ohoruogu-commonwealth-games-olympics
• 400m runner has sights on world events in next two years<br />• World champion, now 30, is protecting body to prolong career<p>Christine Ohuruogu, the world 400m champion, has admitted she will not be at her best at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow because she wants to save her body for next year's world championships in Beijing and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.</p><p>Ohuruogu, who celebrated her 30th birthday by coming third in the 200m at the Great CityGames in Manchester on Saturday, said she had scaled back her training and was trying &quot;to be sensible&quot; so she could prolong her career before going out with a bang at the London world championships in 2017.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/18/christine-ohoruogu-commonwealth-games-olympics">Continue reading...</a>AthleticsChristine OhuruoguCommonwealth Games 2014World Athletics ChampionshipsOlympic Games 2016SportOlympicsSun, 18 May 2014 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/18/christine-ohoruogu-commonwealth-games-olympicsMartin Rickett/PAChristina Ohuruogu, right, finishes third behind Great Britain's Shana Cox, centre, and Jamaica's Stacey-Ann Smith, left, in the women's 200m at the Great CityGames in Manchester. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PAMartin Rickett/PAChristina Ohuruogu, right, finishes third behind Great Britain's Shana Cox, centre, and Jamaica's Stacey-Ann Smith, left, in the women's 200m at the Great CityGames in Manchester. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PASean Ingle in Manchester2014-05-18T21:00:00ZYohan Blake wins on the street and reveals Commonwealth Games hopeshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/17/yohan-blake-manchester-great-citygames-commonwealth-games
• Jamaica's Yohan Blake wins 150m in third-fastest time<br />• Greg Rutherford wins long jump at Great CityGames<p>In front of nearly 10,000 people on Manchester's main drag, Yohan Blake matched his electric pink outfit with a high-wattage run – and then gave the strongest indication yet that he will compete at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.</p><p>Blake left his fellow Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole far in his slipstream in the Great CityGames along Deansgate as he pumped and puffed to 150m victory in 14.71sec – the third-fastest 150m time in history on a straight course, behind Usain Bolt and the American Walter Dix.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/17/yohan-blake-manchester-great-citygames-commonwealth-games">Continue reading...</a>Yohan BlakeAthleticsSportCommonwealth Games 2014Commonwealth GamesGreg RutherfordChristine OhuruoguChris TomlinsonSat, 17 May 2014 16:28:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/17/yohan-blake-manchester-great-citygames-commonwealth-gamesMartin Rickett/PAJamaica's Yohan Blake celebrates after winning the Men's 150m in Manchester during the BT Great CityGames Photograph: Martin Rickett/PAMartin Rickett/PAJamaica's Yohan Blake celebrates after winning the Men's 150m in Manchester during the BT Great CityGames Photograph: Martin Rickett/PASean Ingle in Manchester2014-05-17T16:28:17ZChristine Ohuruogu and Asha Philip in GB squad for World Relayshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/13/christine-ohuruogu-asha-philip-world-relays-athletics
• Philip angered by 2013 world championships omission<br />• Richard Kilty, the world indoor 60m champion, also in squad<p>Christine Ohuruogu, the world 400m champion, and Richard Kilty, the world indoor 60m champion, are among those selected for Britain's 24-strong squad for the inaugural World Relays in the Bahamas next week.</p><p>The squad, who will compete in the men's and women's 4x100m and 4x400m relays, also sees the return of Asha Philip, Britain's top women's sprinter, who was left angered and bemused by her omission from the bronze-winning women's 4x100m relay team at the world championships last year.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/13/christine-ohuruogu-asha-philip-world-relays-athletics">Continue reading...</a>AthleticsChristine OhuruoguSportTue, 13 May 2014 16:23:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/13/christine-ohuruogu-asha-philip-world-relays-athleticsDave Thompson/PAChristine Ohuruogu joins Great Britain's squad of 24 for the World Relays in the Bahamas. Photograph: Dave Thompson/PADave Thompson/PAChristine Ohuruogu joins Great Britain's squad of 24 for the World Relays in the Bahamas. Photograph: Dave Thompson/PASean Ingle2014-05-13T16:23:35ZThe Agenda: American Samoa in the frame and more Super League Magichttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/10/the-agenda-american-samoa-super-league
New documentary follows Fifa's bottom-ranked side, the Etihad hosts a Hull derby, and top athletics returns to Manchester<p>In sharp contrast to the Sturm und Drang that accompanies the final day of the Premier League – and, indeed, the rather vulgar corporate behemoth that is the World Cup – <em>Next Goal Wins</em> (on general release now) is a delightful reminder of why, on an emotional level, football is so popular, and why it still exerts such a tenacious hold on people across the globe. Telling the story of the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/nov/26/american-samoa-first-victory" title="">American Samoa side that lost 31-0 to Australia in 2001</a>, the documentary charts the team's attempts to climb from the bottom of Fifa's rankings with a joyous and very human touch. Directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison have a sure and insightful approach as they follow the endearing amateurs and their Dutch coach, Thomas Rongen, who bids to turn the side's extraordinary spirit and determination into performances on the pitch. A picture with heart and soul, this is a sports film that will appeal to almost everyone.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/10/the-agenda-american-samoa-super-league">Continue reading...</a>Next Goal WinsYohan BlakeGreg RutherfordChristine OhuruoguSuper LeagueWigan WarriorsLeeds RhinosHull FCHull KRSat, 10 May 2014 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/10/the-agenda-american-samoa-super-leagueHandoutAmerican Samoa, who lost 31-0 to Australia, are the subject of a new documentary, Next Goal Wins. Photograph: HandoutHandoutAmerican Samoa, who lost 31-0 to Australia, are the subject of a new documentary, Next Goal Wins. Photograph: HandoutGiles Richards2014-05-10T21:00:00ZBritain set to lower European medals target in star athletes' absencehttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/26/britain-lower-european-medals-target
• Jessica Ennis-Hill will be missing as may be Mo Farah <br />• That will create opportunities for youngsters to shine<p>The UK Athletics performance director, Neil Black, has said medal targets for the European Championships could be lowered because of the absence of several big names from the event.</p><p>It was expected that UK Sport's funding decisions would be based on how well athletes performed at the European Championships in Zurich in August, but Black has been concerned that his stars would make the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow their priority and not go to Switzerland at all.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/26/britain-lower-european-medals-target">Continue reading...</a>AthleticsJessica Ennis-HillMo FarahChristine OhuruoguSportSun, 26 Jan 2014 22:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/26/britain-lower-european-medals-targetLeo Mason/ Leo Mason/Leo Mason/CorbisJessica Ennis-Hill is due to have a baby this summer but is determined to return in 2015. Photograph: Leo Mason/ Leo Mason/Leo Mason/CorbisLeo Mason/ Leo Mason/Leo Mason/CorbisJessica Ennis-Hill is due to have a baby this summer but is determined to return in 2015. Photograph: Leo Mason/ Leo Mason/Leo Mason/CorbisSean Ingle at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow2014-01-26T22:00:00ZOriginal Observer photography: Decemberhttp://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jan/03/photography-gaza-nelson-mandela-game-of-thrones
Outstanding reportage from Gaza and Thailand plus portraiture including actress Olivia Colman, French fashion designer Isabel Marant, athlete Christine Ohuruogu and the stars of Game of Thrones. This is a showcase of the best photography commissioned by the Observer <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jan/03/photography-gaza-nelson-mandela-game-of-thrones">Continue reading...</a>PhotographyCultureGazaGame of ThronesThe Great British Bake OffOlivia ColmanChristine OhuruoguFashionIsabel MarantNelson MandelaFri, 03 Jan 2014 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/jan/03/photography-gaza-nelson-mandela-game-of-thronesPal Hansen for the ObserverChristine Ohuruogu photographed at Lee Vallley Leisure Complex, east London Photograph: Pal Hansen for the ObserverGreg Whitmore2014-01-03T12:20:00ZMemorable moments of 2013: Christine Ohuruogu wins world gold with late diphttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/27/memorable-moments-2013-christine-ohuruogu-world-gold
<strong>12 August</strong>: Ohuruogu reels in opponents on final straight of 400m final before surging past Amantle Montsho on the line<p><strong> </strong>Coming around the final bend, Christine Ohuruogu was lying fourth in the women's 400m world championship final. Down the final straight, she seemed to glide past the United States's Francena McCorory and Natasha Hastings simultaneously with 50m remaining, but the defending champion, Amantle Montsho, the pre-race favourite in Moscow, was still more than a couple of metres ahead of her. Even for an athlete who had won her world and Olympic titles with her strength in those final stages, the gap appeared insurmountable.</p><p>Montsho, though, was one of the athletes Ohuruogu had overtaken on her way to silver behind Sanya Richards-Ross at the London Games. One year on and Montsho was tying up; Ohuruogu inexorably surged on in the final 10m. At the line, the British captain dipped, Montsho did not.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/27/memorable-moments-2013-christine-ohuruogu-world-gold">Continue reading...</a>Christine OhuruoguSportAthleticsWorld Athletics Championships 2013World Athletics ChampionshipsFri, 27 Dec 2013 22:05:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/27/memorable-moments-2013-christine-ohuruogu-world-goldJamie Squire/Getty ImagesChristine Ohuruogu, right, dips at the line ahead of Amantle Montsho to win the 400m at the World Championships. Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesJamie Squire/Getty ImagesChristine Ohuruogu, right, dips at the line ahead of Amantle Montsho to win the 400m at the World Championships. Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesAnna Kessel2013-12-27T22:05:00ZSpoty gets it right sometimes but Farah missing podium again was baffling | Sean Inglehttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/dec/16/bbc-sports-personality-year-2013-andy-murray
Andy Murray polled more than half of the votes for his Wimbledon win but what of Mo Farah finishing only fourth again?<p>There are those who will tell you that the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award is bloated, irrelevant, facile, annoying and increasingly dumbed down. But even on a night of few surprises – Andy Murray, as expected, romped home with more votes than the other contenders combined while Sir Alex Ferguson was greeted with the wary acclamation that you might reserve for a retired champion pitbull – two things stood out.</p><p>First, the show had 8.6m viewers at its peak, roughly a seventh of the UK's population, while 717,454 votes were cast, a figure not far off the population of Leeds. Second, the show still attracts controversy and confusion, even when the final outcome is as certain as the dawn.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/dec/16/bbc-sports-personality-year-2013-andy-murray">Continue reading...</a>BBC Sports Personality of the YearAndy MurrayMo FarahTony McCoyBen AinslieChris FroomeHannah CockroftChristine OhuruoguJustin RoseIan BellSportBBCMediaMon, 16 Dec 2013 15:02:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/dec/16/bbc-sports-personality-year-2013-andy-murrayJosh Ritchie/APAndy Murray shows off his award in Miami where he is undergoing warm-weather training to prepare for the Australian Open. Photograph: Josh Ritchie/APJosh Ritchie/APAndy Murray poses with the award in Miami, Florida, where he is undergoing his annual warm-weather training regime to prepare for the Australian Open and following back surgery in September Photograph: Josh Ritchie/APSean Ingle2013-12-16T15:02:43ZAndy Murray wins Sports Personality of the Year 2013http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/15/andy-murray-sports-personality-year-2013
26-year-old tennis player scoops award after becoming first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/15/bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-awards-live">• Read Michael Butler's minute-by-minute report</a><p>Andy Murray has capped a year in which he broke a 77-year Wimbledon hoodoo and played his way into the hearts of the nation by winning the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award.</p><p>The Scot was the shortest priced favourite in the 60 years of the prize, despite another stellar sporting year that included a British victory in the Tour de France, a home Ashes victory and the first British and Irish Lions victory overseas for 16 years.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/15/andy-murray-sports-personality-year-2013">Continue reading...</a>BBC Sports Personality of the YearAndy MurraySportMediaBBCTennisMo FarahTony McCoyChristine OhuruoguChris FroomeJustin RoseUK newsWimbledon 2013WimbledonMon, 16 Dec 2013 08:40:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/15/andy-murray-sports-personality-year-2013Josh Ritchie/APAndy Murray in Miami where he received the award from Martina Navratilova. Photograph: Josh Ritchie/APJosh Ritchie/APAndy Murray in Miami where he received the award from Martina Navratilova. Photograph: Josh Ritchie/APOwen Gibson, chief sports correspondent2013-12-16T08:40:00ZBBC Sports Personality of the Year awards – as it happened | Michael Butlerhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/15/bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-awards-live
Andy Murray won this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year with Leigh Halfpenny second and AP McCoy third<p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:24:20.135Z">10.24pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Glitter cannons fire out er, glitter, and we're done for another year. Or at least for a couple of weeks before Buzzfeed start doing all their end of year lists.</p><p>Particular highlights for me include Marion Bartoli looking like a looker and Lord Ferg receiving some kind of lifetime achievement award from an organisation he boycotted for years, something tiredbunny put much more eloquently in the comments section below.</p><p>Whats this about bacon face Ferguson getting a special diamond award.</p><p>This for a man who refused to speak to the BBC and it's viewers/listeners for years !!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:17:30.783Z">10.17pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>and the winner is...</p><p><strong>Hannah Cockroft</strong></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:14:48.731Z">10.14pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>Winner: AP McCoy</strong></p><p>Mainly for pulling off a pocket square AND this tie pin. I think that's what it's called.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:12:03.195Z">10.12pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Although, when it boils down to it, he probably deserves it. Yeah? Yeah</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:08:18.317Z">10.08pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>&quot;I'm really sorry if I don't sound excited, I just have a very boring voice. I'm sorry about my voice&quot; says a gracious Muzza as he accepts the award from Martina Navratilova in Miami.</p><p>There are no tears. I was holding out for tears. Where the hell is Prudent Sue when you need her?!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:03:18.410Z">10.03pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>It was a landslide apparently.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:01:27.054Z">10.01pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Announced with all the enthusiasm of dying roadkill by Bradley Wiggins</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:00:33.672Z">10.00pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Shock!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T22:00:13.563Z">10.00pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>...</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:59:54.198Z">9.59pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Go on Little Leigh</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:59:04.286Z">9.59pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Still looking dapper, don't worry.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:57:47.157Z">9.57pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Still looker dapper... don't worry.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:57:20.407Z">9.57pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Third place...</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:56:56.201Z">9.56pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Apparently I’m a “Independent Thinker”. Which probably means I gave a series of contradictory responses to the questions...<br />&nbsp;<br />And that makes me similar to Julius Caesar Augustus, Isaac Newton, Donald Rumsfeld, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Lance Armstrong.<br />&nbsp;<br />Hmm... I think that beats Mother Theresa and Michael Caine!</p><p>Incorrect. Lance Armstrong v Mother Theresa. Think about it</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:55:25.327Z">9.55pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>&quot;I'm used to you booing me.&quot;</p><p>Boos ring out. Everyone laughs.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:53:12.615Z">9.53pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Cristiano Ronaldo is being beamed in from Madrid waxing lyrical about Lord Ferg.</p><p>Ferg taught Ronnie how to be a &quot;good boy&quot;.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:50:35.533Z">9.50pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>There's a top Lord Ferg montage going on, before he goes up to accept the award. Paul Scholes, 2009 SPOTY winner Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville narrate.</p><p>The best quote from this montage comes, predictably, from the man himself.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:45:08.468Z">9.45pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Madiba was buried today. That Plan B wannabe crooner John Newman is back again, clogging up the airwaves. Instead listen to this. It's brill.</p><p>Gilles Peterson's Nelson Mandela Tribute Mix by gillespeterson via <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23soundcloud&amp;src=hash">#soundcloud</a> <a href="https://t.co/mlMib6MOp8">https://t.co/mlMib6MOp8</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:41:18.261Z">9.41pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Warren Gatland wins!</p><p>The Lions' head coach pips Andy Flower, Sir Dave Brailsford and Ivan Lendl to the gong.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:38:57.444Z">9.38pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>The rhetoric is getting all the more washy and the evening nears it's close. Honest Clare actually just said &quot;Dreams can come true&quot; which gives me an opportunity to post this.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:35:46.027Z">9.35pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Honourable mentions to Usain Bolt and Serena Williams but <strong>Seb Vettel</strong> is the victor.</p><p>His fourth consecutive Formula One title this year, a worthy winner. Great hair too.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:32:38.739Z">9.32pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00grqnh">Go on.........</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:32:14.712Z">9.32pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>...who is talking about his fight with George Groves. I still don't know why Honest Clare is interviewing him.</p><p>&quot;He put me on the seat of my pants&quot; is said twice. I get the jist of it. The camera cuts to Groves in the audience, who is smirking at Froch's words.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:26:16.553Z">9.26pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>...presented by Mark Webber and Marion Bartoli, with Reliable Gabby.</p><p>This might be an awkward moment for John Inverdale as Simon Burnton pointed out in his blog: Sports <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/dec/13/sports-personality-of-the-year-antiheroes-2013">Personality of the Year: time to applaud the antiheroes of 2013</a></p><p>One thing that's absolutely certain is that the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/bbc">BBC</a>'s <strong>John Inverdale</strong>, who controversially announced in July that the Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli was <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/jul/07/john-inverdale-apologises-marion-bartoli">&quot;never going to be a looker&quot;</a>, isn't going to be invited to the cool parties. Unless, that is, you count the Sports Personality of the Year awards, which he'll be hosting for Radio 5 Live.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:16:39.242Z">9.16pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>You can vote <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00grqnh">here</a>, if you like.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:15:08.211Z">9.15pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Alan Hansen, Liverpool's captain on that day in 1989, is in tears, as are Anne's family. A very moving moment.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:13:11.677Z">9.13pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Presented to the daughter of Hillsborough justice campaigner Anne Williams, who died in April aged 60</p><p>A very moving video follows. Read Anne's story <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/13/hillsborough-disaster-police-south-yorkshire-liverpool?CMP=twt_gu">here</a> courtesy of Proper Journalism's David Conn</p><p>Anne Williams, to be honoured by <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SPOTY&amp;src=hash">#SPOTY</a>, fought Hillsborough inquest 3:15 &quot;cut-off:&quot; Authorities refused for 23 yrs. <a href="http://t.co/BXXVLJeNwD">http://t.co/BXXVLJeNwD</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:09:16.481Z">9.09pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>It's not quite Don Johnson, but Andy Murray is definitely ballin'.</p><p>So casually chillin by the pool, as you do in Miami, with his top button undone. Dreamy.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:02:58.380Z">9.02pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T21:00:41.774Z">9.00pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Yet another absentee, as he's training in America. Nice words from Lord Coe and all that about being the best runner ever or something.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:59:53.064Z">8.59pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>According to the Personality Test of Doom I'm a Good-Natured Realist, which makes me akin to Jimmy Stewart, Mother Theresa and Michael Caine. Which is nice. Of course, the fact that several of the questions make no sense whatsoever does introduce a modicum of doubt.</p><p>Mother Theresa and Michael Caine! What a combo!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:58:46.458Z">8.58pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>... is in the shower according to Reliable Gabby and isn't ready to speak to the nation. Oh ok.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:57:27.122Z">8.57pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>I'm hoping Andy Murray is going to be kitted out in Miami Vice style suit.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:56:20.936Z">8.56pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Hang on, Wiggo has a challenger.</p><p>McCoy has both a tie-pin AND a waistcoat. And I'm not 100% but wait, is that VELVET?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:53:53.841Z">8.53pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>I'm sorry to announce that we haven't had any improvement on Wiggo's early effort. If anyone looks half as good as Thierry Henry did on last night's Match of the Day, they'll have Suit Prize in the bag.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:49:11.743Z">8.49pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>PUN ALERT.</p><p>Slick Gary just called his Chris Zoom. I would counter that with Chris VVVRROOOOM. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:45:48.326Z">8.45pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Triathlon's Brownlee brothers are out to present the award, and they helped choose the winner apparently, which is Amber Hill, who is a 16-year-old shotgun shooter.</p><p>Can she do this though? (Nickelback alert, I think)</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:40:35.453Z">8.40pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>She's out talking to Reliable Gabby, talking about how she just wanted to &quot;run for the line&quot; during her 400m triumph at the World Champs. Good tactics, it's got her this far.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:38:35.821Z">8.38pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Maybe if Dynamo could arrange for him and Dickie to stand in Perth tomorrow England might be in with a chance. Then again, maybe not.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:37:26.318Z">8.37pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Front centre is Maggie in THAT shirt. She is just so great.</p><p>Joe is the moustached man at the back.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:34:13.794Z">8.34pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Another absentee in Ian Bell, who of course is far too busy applying suncream in Perth to spare two minutes to talk to Honest Clare.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:33:16.276Z">8.33pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Dynamo setting fire to something at Lords. Course he is.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:31:21.485Z">8.31pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>The esteemed and ancient Dickie Bird is in some kind of montage with young magician Dynamo. What the hell is going on?</p><p>The only connection I can make is that they're both from Yorkshire. Hmmm.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:28:21.492Z">8.28pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Determined realist apparently (?). Though in illustrious company; of the 10 celebs mentioned, 6 were US presidents, 1 the founder of wal-mart, &amp; 1 John d Rockefeller.</p><p>Here's hoping Leigh halfpenny wins something after a spectacular season, and losing out on IRB player of the year the other week.<br />Tom, in Cardiff.</p><p>Cardiff-based Tom wants Wales' Leigh to win. In other news, the Earth continues to orbit the Sun.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:25:17.402Z">8.25pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Maggie and Joe Forber win the 2013 Unsung Hero (es) of the Year award. They run a basketball workshop in Manchester. Maggie's shirt is absolutely spot on - it's an outrageous turquoise tie dye effort. Go on Maggie, you champ.</p><p>Joe coached John Amaechi, who went on to play in the NBA.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:20:08.225Z">8.20pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>...isnt here! And no video link neither! Pah! He's in Thailand apparently.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:19:16.154Z">8.19pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Dan Lucas is the first to take the test, and he should be a sales rep, like Madonna... It's true it's tedious to take, but how else are you going to figure out what to do for a living?</p><p>I'm an energetic doer, and should be a sales rep just like Donald Trump, Eddie Murphy, Bruce Willis, Madonna or Jack Nicholson. In reality I'm more like Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets. In conclusion, this test is as full of shit as these awards.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:15:07.063Z">8.15pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>... is winning Dress of the Night, her red effort has blown Reliable Gabby's effort out of the water. My word, she can talk, and hailing from Halifax, she's a local fave with that warming Yorkshire drawl.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:11:40.094Z">8.11pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>I mean, no disrespect (code: lots of disrespect) to the others, but if Andy doesn't win tonight, then I'm Gareth Gates.</p><p>Your name is not Gareth Gates, it's Simon. So I can only assume Andy will win.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:09:56.611Z">8.09pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Ben, on the other hand, is as assured facing Slick Gary on the stage as he is in the water and speaks very humbly about his achievements this year, as well as losing his friend and fellow sailor Andrew Simpson, who tragically died this year</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:07:27.920Z">8.07pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Leigh struggled to get his words out a little bit, and the audience nervously laugh as he pretends he doesn't care about being voted Wales' Sexiest Man.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T20:06:30.521Z">8.06pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>I was lucky enough to have been in Sydney for the final Lions test and Little Leigh was an absolutely revelation in that match. He's tiny as wel; (5ft 8in) but still battered those Aussies.</p><p>Speaking of battered, here he is out celebrating after. Somehow, I ended up in a bar with the whole squad.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:59:36.855Z">7.59pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Every nominee is going to get a video montage and then an interview with Reliable Gabby, it looks like</p><p>First up, Leigh Halfpenny</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:56:51.851Z">7.56pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>In addition to the main prize, there will also be seven other awards:</p><p>• Team of the Year</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:53:22.576Z">7.53pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Loads of past winners have filed onto the stage, including this year's nominee Tony McCoy who won it back in 2010. Bradley Wiggins is currently winning the Suit of the Evening prize, and must be the only person I know that can pull off pinstripe number without looking like Michael Douglas from Wall Street</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:48:22.032Z">7.48pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Someone called John Newman is crooning piano pop into the arena. He's got moves, I'll give him that, but nobody in the 12,000 strong crowd is feeling it.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:47:11.165Z">7.47pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Slick Gary meanwhile has been having his own social media bantz with the champion elect. You can't wish him luck Gary! What about all the others?</p><p>“<a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray">@andy_murray</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker">@GaryLineker</a> hands off! :-)” &lt; Speak shortly. Good luck.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:42:04.842Z">7.42pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Whoever wins tonight, 2013 will undoubtedly be remembered as the year of the Selfie. Reliable Gabby and Honest Clare are getting into the swing of things.</p><p>A back stage selfie with <a href="https://twitter.com/clarebalding">@clarebalding</a> <a href="http://t.co/fv9dp0N7b0">pic.twitter.com/fv9dp0N7b0</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:40:35.806Z">7.40pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Hopefully we will see tonight's three hosts – Slick Gary Lineker, Reliable Gabby Logan, and Honest Clare Balding – channelling the X Factor spirit of Gary Barlow and Nicole Schnerererererzinger to emerge from the back of the stage in plooms of dry ice and that voiceover guy they have on the X Factor shooting his mouth of at various intervals. I like that guy and often wonder what he looks like.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T19:36:32.736Z">7.36pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>Andy Murray 1/20</strong></p><p>He only went and bloody did it didn't he. If winning Wimbledon isn't enough to shoehorn you in as SPOTY elect, I don't know what is. Delivering in front of a home crowd when such silly expectations are on you, playing in arguably the most golden of eras tennis has ever known, was bloody brilliant.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2013-12-15T18:01:24.760Z">6.01pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Welcome to the Sports Personality of the Year! It's the 60th anniversary of the awards, taking place at some behemoth of an arena in Leeds, and these days resembles some kind of sport-based X Factor: a panel of judges has drawn up a shortlist of talent, with the winner decided tonight in a public vote. HYPE HYPE HYPE.</p><p>Growing up, I was convinced that the Sports Personality of the Year was genuinely about personality – not just a clumsy word which the BBC insists on continuing to use to describe the best sports person of the year. I was wrong, the winner should be the best at sport, not how interesting they seem.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/15/bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-awards-live">Continue reading...</a>BBC Sports Personality of the YearBen AinslieIan BellHannah CockroftMo FarahChris FroomeTony McCoyAndy MurrayChristine OhuruoguJustin RoseSun, 15 Dec 2013 22:24:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/15/bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-awards-livePhotograph: David Davies/PAHannah Cockroft consoles a dejected Honest Clare. Photograph: David Davies/PAPhotograph: David Davies/PAPhotograph: David Davies/PAPhotograph: ScreengrabPhotograph: ScreengrabPhotograph: ScreengrabPhotograph: ScreengrabPhotograph: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesPhotograph: BBC/MOTDThierry with Slick Gary and Spud Alan. Photograph: BBC/MOTDPhotograph: David Davies/PAAmber Hill Photograph: David Davies/PAPhotograph: David Davies/PAMaggie Forber Photograph: David Davies/PAPhotograph: ScreengrabPhotograph: ScreengrabPhotograph: David Davies/PARed! Photograph: David Davies/PAPhotograph: theguardian.comLook at those eyes!Photograph: Action ImagesSPOTY composite Photograph: Action ImagesMichael Butler2013-12-15T22:24:20Z